Beyond the graveyard
Yew may be seen as funereal, but it makes for colourful and quick-growing hedging, writes
There is something about the cusp of spring that seems to raise the sap of hope and expectation in so many people. That may explain why so many gardeners suddenly decide they have to start growing something. And when it comes to growing hedges, there is such often a dilemma – just what to grow.
Yew has had a lot of bad publicity as that dark, funereal evergreen to be found in many an old graveyard.
But it is a pretty good plant for most places, it can grow relatively quickly and tolerates most soils.
To give yew the best start in life, prepare the soil by incorporating plenty of wellrotted manure or garden compost.
Yew hedging is best planted in autumn but March or April can be just as good a time – depending on the soil conditions.
Buy quality plants that are no higher than two feet, because they establish more successfully and grow away better than larger plants. Bare-rooted or root-balled yews are cheaper than container-grown.
And given those perfect growing conditions, an established yew hedge can put on a foot in growth every year.
Yew hedges can be maintained easily by trimming once in summer or early autumn, and if a hedge becomes overgrown, it’s possible to renovate it, gradually, over three years. Mid-spring is the best time to carry out the work.
To recreate a dense, even surface, cut back the top of the hedge to at least six inches less than the final desired height.
The following year, reduce the width of one of the sides, followed by the second side in the third year. The results should be nothing short of miraculous.